No matter who you are, walking on the trade show floor can sometimes be an overwhelming experience. You’ve got vendors known and unknown looking to catch your eye, as well as countless other attendees all walking and interacting in one dedicated space. But if you’re a trade association, with the right tools and preparation, you can navigate this space efficiently and productively. Discover the power of MemberClicks Trade– the ultimate in trade show management software. Tailored specifically for associations like yours, they ensure you’re not just asking the right questions but also have the optimal solutions at your fingertips.
Speaking of questions, if you’re feeling a tad overwhelmed and if this trade show visual is making you nervous, we’re here to help. We’ve come up with nine questions you can ask almost any vendor at your next trade show to see if their product would be a good fit for your association! Check them out below!
General Vendor Questions
1. How long have you been in business?
Translation: This answer will let you know if their product has lasted the test of time and might indicate if they have the experience you’ll want in customer service and product feedback.
2. What makes you different from your competitors?
Translation: While this answer will vary from company to company, ideally you’re looking to hear something about their mission, values and beliefs when it comes to their team and their product.
3. What are your support hours?
Translation: This answer will let you know how easy it is going to be for you and your team to get the help you need when you need it.
4. What other products do you offer?
Translation: Essentially, this answer lets you know if they are a one-trick pony or if they have other services to offer your association. This response also will tell you what services they prioritize.
5. What is the product’s pricing structure?
Translation: Ideally you’re looking for a company that is going to be transparent with their pricing structure. While they may not have this exact answer on the trade show floor, their response should tell you a lot about how they operate as a company.
6. Do you work with any association’s like mine?
Translation: This answer will show you if they have experience working with custom fits that you might need for your association.
Software Vendor Focused Questions
7. What is your average onboarding time?
Translation: No matter your industry, you need to make sure that you’re seamlessly connecting to your members. It’s key that your vendor is able to tell you a proper timeline that is realistic to follow.
8. Do you offer training for product users?
Translation: This response should let you know all of the resources available to you if you decided to use their software. The more, the better in this case.
9. Can existing systems be integrated into your product?
Translation: Depending on the software, you’re going to want to know how much change is going to be happening to your technology stack. Having to change multiple softwares can sometimes be a game changer for some professionals, so you might as well ask early!
Wrapping Up
With these nine questions in your pocket, you’re not just a wanderer – you’re equipped and prepared. Think of these questions as your GPS, guiding you through the crowds and towards the vendors who genuinely align with your association’s needs. So, while the trade show floor might feel endless, remember, every step is a chance, every conversation an opportunity. And with the right questions in your toolkit, you’re already a step ahead. Dive in, trust the process, and make every interaction count!
If you’re looking for more specific questions related to finding an association management software, have no fear! Check out our guide, 6 Questions to Ask Your Potential AMS Provider, to see what questions you NEED to ask your potential AMS partner to find the best fit for your association.
